Middlesbrough fans are urging Teesside MPs to vote in favour of ‘safe standing’ when the issue is debated in Parliament.

Boro supporters groups have built strong links with local MPs and have been a key part of the national campaign for change.

They believe “the tide has turned” on the contentious issue - but with the numbers finely balanced they need the votes to push through a change they say will enhance safety, comfort and atmosphere in grounds.

A motion to allow clubs in the top two divisions to relax the current all-seater rules and introduce modern, well-designed safe standing areas is to be discussed in the House of Commons on 25 June.

That follows a petition to the government topping 100,000 signatures to trigger the debate.

Two members of the Middlesbrough Supporters Forum were among a host of groups who met with shadow sports minister Rosena Allin-Khan at Westminster last week. Labour later officially came out in support of the move.

“It was a very productive meeting,” said Rob Nichols, who runs the Fly Me To The Moon fanzine and message board.

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“And the shadow minister was there to listen which was really encouraging. It wasn’t political rhetoric. She asked questions and took on board a lot of the issues by fans raised about safety, choice, comfort and atmosphere.

“One of the key points from the floor was devolving the decisions to local councils and clubs and that was included in the Labour policy statement.”

The government seem to be in two minds though. They have indicated they are open to discussion but sports minister Tracey Crouch knocked back an application last month by West Brom to introduce a safe standing section.

“The vote is important,” said Rob. “The tide has turned with clubs and the authorities now keen on exploring their options.

“The Football League are officially in favour of giving clubs a choice, a lot of clubs are weighing it up, West Brom and Palace are keen and the new Spurs ground has been designed so it can be flexible with safe standing in mind.

“It has become a technical debate now about how to implement it rather than an argument over public order. It feels like a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ now.

“Of course, there are still issues around cost and design and practicalities and each club will have different attitudes.

“But all the pieces are in place and it just takes the political will now.”

Boro are believed to be neutral on the issue but have met with and listened to MSF and the door is not closed.

But before anything can happen the argument will have to be won in Parliament.